Three arrested in connection with stabbing in Harwoods Recreation Ground

Dear Resident

Three people have been arrested in connection with a stabbing which occurred in Watford over the weekend.

Yesterday (Tuesday 14 October) two 16 year old males from the West Midlands area were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and possession with intent to supply class A drugs respectively. Both remain in police custody this morning (Wednesday 15 October).

A third male, aged 15 and also from the West Midlands area, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).

Police have searched two addresses in Watford in connection with their investigation and seized two knives, along with a quantity of white powder suspected to be cocaine.

The arrests come after a 34 year old man suffered several stab wounds during an altercation in Harwoods Recreation Ground, at around 8.25pm on Sunday (12 October).

The victim suffered injuries to his neck, as well as one under his arm. He was airlifted to hospital for treatment, where he remains in a critical condition. 

A scene guard remains in place in the vicinity of the recreation ground today (15 October) to allow additional forensic investigation to continue. 

Detective Inspector Chris Parperi leads Watford’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and said: “This remains a fast-moving investigation, and we are pleased to have secured three arrests as part of our inquiry. Our thoughts remain with the victim, who is still in a critical condition in hospital.

“We can confirm that we are treating this as a targeted attack, and those involved in this incident are known to one another. We’re continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity near to Faraday Court on Franklin Avenue or Vicarage Road, next to the recreation ground.

“Were you walking or driving in these locations between 8pm and 8.30pm on Sunday? If you have any information, even if you think it’s insignificant, or dash cam footage of note, then please get in touch as soon as possible. Thank you.”

Inspector Simon Cooper, who leads the Watford Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “Residents will have noticed a heightened police presence in the area, especially the park, since news of this incident.

“We have been offering reassurance to the public at the scene, as well as providing updates to the nearby school to make sure they have the latest information. We continue to link in with our partners, including Herts County Council and Watford Borough Council, to ensure they are fully briefed.”

If you believe you have information that could assist police, report it online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Operation Oolite.

In an emergency dial 999.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.